From the orchards of Courtenay to the shores of Hornby and Gabriola Islands — with a cityside cider stop in Nanaimo — this trail winds through rugged coastlines and farm-crafted cideries.
Begin in the orchard-rich landscape of Courtenay, then hop over to Hornby Island for sweeping coastal views and cider by the sea. From there, head south to Nanaimo for a city-meets-cider experience, before wrapping up on Gabriola Island, where rolling farmland and small-batch cideries offer the perfect finish.
This two day trail brings together rural charm, island adventure, and urban energy — a well-rounded taste of BC’s farm-crafted cider culture.
2 day route, 180 kilometers, 4 hours, 37 minutes total driving time, ferry travel required
Raven's Moon Cidery
4905 Darcy Road, Courtenay, BC, Canada
Our batches are small. In every bottle of cider you will find the crisp juice of naturally grown heirloom and heritage apples from our farm and other BC farmers. You will find the traditional art of fermentation combined with a twist of a new age of cider. Always with apples as the base, we blend in other Vancouver Island and BC fruit, infusions and botanicals.
Fossil Beach Farm
750 Savoie Rd, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0, Canada
Nestled on the point with panoramic ocean views is where we make Fossil Beach Farm’s hard cider and non-alcoholic drinks. Join us in the tasting room or enjoy our outdoor picnic area while you sip the farm based craft ciders. All of our cider is handcrafted by a blend of Fossil Beach Farm’s orchard apples planted in 1921 and other BC farmed apples to make the best and most sustainable cider we can.
Big Bang Cider
1235 Nanaimo Lakes Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5P4, Canada
Crafted on site, Big Bang Cider aims to reintroduce the community to traditional heritage cider. Our orchard features over 25 cider specific apple varieties from France, England and North America. We also have a limited supply of modern dry cider using local ingredients such as farm-grown hops, Okanagan blackberries and fresh quince from Nanaimo-Ladysmith.
Ravenskill Orchards & Gabbie's Premium Cider
1240 Coats Dr, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X4, Canada
Gabbie's Premium Cider is handcrafted on Gabriola Island. Nearly 100 years ago, B.C.’s Gulf Island farmers concocted exceptional hard cider. Legend has it, those makers then journeyed out to sea to share their libations with the mainland. To those Cider Makers, we salute you. Today we join you. Gabbie’s Premium Ciders are perfected by Ravenskill Orchards at our unique island location. Amongst 1,000 heritage trees, 25 varieties of apples, grow fresh, crisp, sun-kissed and gently-breezed by the salty sea air. We are a family of farmers, sea lovers and makers crafting the best small batch premium cider the Gulf Island have enjoyed since prohibition. A distinct taste and cider experience.